During a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, themed “AI, Big Data Analytics, Automation, and Space Technology Application for Sustainable Development’’, and organised by the European Union in partnership with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, revealed Nigeria’s plans to launch satellites developed by Nigerian scientists and engineers.
These satellites, aimed at advancing sustainable development, will be complemented by ground stations and data collection centres strategically positioned within the country.
Chief Nnaji emphasised that the administration led by President Tinubu is committed to deploying satellites that offer innovative space-based solutions to tackle the nation’s challenges.
The Minister stated that the solutions will be applied in various fields such as security, pipeline monitoring, agricultural food security, and other sectors that will enhance the nation’s sustainable development. Chief Nnaji also highlighted that artificial intelligence is a key focus for the Ministry and assured that it will support NASRDA in advancing satellite technology.
Furthermore, Dr Matthew Adepoju, the newly appointed Director General of NASRDA, thanked the Minister for attending the event. He assured the Minister that NASRDA possessed a skilled and capable team of engineers and scientists ready to build, launch, and operate the proposed satellites.
In addition, Dr Adepoju emphasised the Agency’s commitment to taking all necessary steps to continue delivering space-based solutions to the nation’s challenges. He noted that integrating Artificial Intelligence and Robotics is crucial in modern satellite technology.
Dr Adepoju emphasised that NASRDA is at the forefront of artificial intelligence and robotics and is keen to collaborate with stakeholders to reduce poverty and significantly boost agricultural productivity.
He pointed out that although satellite technology is often viewed as elitist and capital-intensive, it is vital for advancing the nation’s agriculture, security, and other critical sectors.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Iuri Aganetto, the Programme Officer at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), stated that the primary focus of the workshop is to explore the transformative potential of space technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analysis in enhancing agricultural practices for security in Nigeria.
He emphasised that leveraging cutting-edge technologies can address critical challenges in climate-smart agriculture and environmental management.
During a collaborative presentation, Dr Zoltan Szantoi from the European Space Agency and Dr Idris Jega from NASRDA outlined a seven-point concept note on the workshop’s theme. The presentation highlighted that the workshop’s primary goal is to bolster NASRDA’s AI capabilities in remote sensing data analysis, essential for cutting-edge agriculture and environmental monitoring.
Additionally, the workshop aims to produce evidence to support informed decision-making in agriculture and environmental management, ensuring alignment with technological advancements and addressing needs with precision and accuracy.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/06/07/nigeria-unveils-plan-to-launch-home-grown-satellites-for-sustainable-development-at-eu-nasrda-workshop/
